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Joan Plowright, award-winning ‘Enchanted April’ and ‘Stalin’ actor, dies at 95

BBG News

Actress Joan Plowright, renowned for her seven-decade career that earned her an Oscar nomination for “Enchanted April” and appearances in “The Entertainer” and “Stalin,” has passed away.

On Thursday, the actress passed away at Denville Hall, a residential facility for performers located in south England that is particularly known for its elderly residents in the acting community. Her family confirmed this news on Friday through a statement to the Associated Press. She was 95 years old.

I had the privilege of spending seven remarkable decades traversing the realms of theatre, cinema, and television. From the stage to the screen, I experienced a rich tapestry of roles that brought me immense joy. However, as blindness became a part of my journey, I was forced to bid farewell to my career. Yet, I am filled with pride knowing that my family recognizes not just my accomplishments, but also my essence as a compassionate and inclusive individual who cherished every moment.

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As a dedicated film critic, I must confess that I’ve always admired the captivating performances of Olivier’s widow on the stage. However, when it comes to the silver screen, she prefers to embody the wealth and wisdom of matriarchal characters. The allure of travel and financial reward seems to be as enticing for her off-stage as the applause that follows a successful theatrical performance.

As the third and last spouse of the renowned British actor Laurence Olivier, Plowright is not just known for being his wife, but also for creating a significant personal legacy in theater, cinema, and television.

A year into her marriage with Olivier, Jennifer Plowright, an esteemed actor, had already won a Tony Award (for “A Taste of Honey” in 1961). She had made her mark on both Broadway and London stages, even being part of the English Stage Company at the Royal Court Theatre. Moreover, she was recognized by BAFTA and garnered critical acclaim for her role in Tony Richardson’s 1960 film “The Entertainer,” where she co-starred with Olivier as her on-screen father.

Following Olivier’s demise in 1989, Plowright experienced further professional triumphs. Her performances in films such as “Enchanted April,” “Stalin,” “The Scarlet Letter,” and “The Spiderwick Chronicles” during the ’90s and early 2000s left lasting impressions.

In Mike Newell’s film “Enchanted April,” Josie Plowright acted alongside Alfred Molina, Miranda Richardson, and Polly Walker. They portrayed four women who sought relaxation on a trip to Italy, with Plowright playing the role of Mrs. Fisher, an elderly character. The performance in “Enchanted April” was Plowright’s first and only Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. At the 1993 Golden Globes, Plowright received two awards: one for her supporting actress role in a movie (“Enchanted April”) and another for her supporting actress role in a television production (“Stalin”).

In many movies, Plowright frequently took on the role of a grandmotherly character, such as in family-friendly productions like “101 Dalmatians” and “Dennis the Menace.” During an interview with The Times in 1996, she expressed that she found no issue with this.

She commented, “It’s not particularly thrilling to perform in the 257th adaptation of ‘The Rivals,’ given the fascinating and entertaining film roles I get. But, it’s enjoyable to travel extensively, and I must say, the compensation is quite generous.

In cinema, Plowright has been featured in films such as “Tea with Mussolini,” “Surviving Picasso,” “I Love You to Death,” “Avalon,” and “Drowning by Numbers.” On television, she’s appeared on shows like “Encore! Encore!” and movies including “On Promised Land,” “A Place for Annie,” and “Back to the Secret Garden.

In the 2018 documentary “Nothing Like a Dame” by Roger Michell, the actor was among the four prominent subjects. This film paid tribute to the illustrious careers of the actresses Dame Peggy Ashcroft (Plowright), Dame Eileen Atkins, Dame Judi Dench, and Dame Maggie Smith.

Born on October 28, 1929, in Brigg, North Lincolnshire, England, to William Ernest Plowright, a journalist and editor, and his wife Daisy Margaret, young Vanessa began her acting career performing in plays arranged by her mother. At the age of 15, she was awarded a drama cup that granted her the opportunity to perform in a minor role with the Harry Hanson Players for a week. Unfortunately, her role wasn’t accepted (Hanson told her, “Go home, my dear, go home”), but she later received a scholarship to study at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

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In the year 1956, at London’s prestigious Royal Court Theatre, Joan Plowright and Laurence Olivier crossed paths as co-stars in the play “The Entertainer.

In my perspective as a film critic, I must say that my first marital vows were exchanged with Roger Gage back in 1953; however, our paths diverged in 1960 following the dissolution of our union. My journey with the captivating Sir Laurence Olivier began when our eyes met during a performance at the Royal Court, starring in “The Country Wife.” Later in 1957, we graced the London stage together as co-stars in the premiere of John Osborne’s groundbreaking play, “The Entertainer.

In 1996, she shared with The Times that it became apparent to her that Larry was developing romantic feelings for her. This revelation occurred during their rehearsals when he used a term of endearment for her.

Vivien Leigh, who was known for her role in “Gone With the Wind,” and Olivier parted ways after 20 years of marriage in 1960 due to Olivier’s involvement with Plowright. In the following year, Olivier and Plowright tied the knot. Following their union, Plowright’s acting career took a backseat to her roles as wife and mother, as she and Olivier welcomed three children together.

She reminisced to The Times about how he was a renowned figure and she felt a significant responsibility due to her demanding, high-pressure role, which was crucial for maintaining his life. Larry didn’t prefer us to merely cross paths without interaction.

In 2002, I penned down my memoirs titled “And That’s Not All: The Memoirs of Joan Plowright.” This personal account delved into my childhood experiences, my romantic journey with Olivier (as our love letters illustrated), and the gossip that swirled around the private aspect of his sexuality.

In the year 2004, a few years prior to her last on-screen performances, Dame Peggy Ashcroft was bestowed with the title Dame Commander of the British Empire during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Dame Ashcroft described this honor as a “symbolic culmination in one’s life’s work.

She humorously expressed her perplexity since she goes by multiple titles – Dame Olivier and Lady Plowright, as reported by the BBC. But she prefers if you simply call her Joan.

Plowright passed away before Gage and Olivier. She leaves behind her children: Julie Kate Olivier, Tamsin Olivier, and Richard Olivier, as well as three grandchildren.

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2025-01-17 18:01

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